"Just when he reached the peak, an accident that questioned his very core erupted, " said veteran lawmaker Satsuki Eda, a Kan ally for three decades.

WSJ: Japan's Ex-Premier Turns Anti-Nuclear Activist

Satsuki Eda, who as justice minister last year pushed through the change in the civil code, says he hopes it will lead to more generous visitation rights.

ECONOMIST: A dark side to family life in Japan